Ishmael has Syracuse Connections

Mike McAllister

03/26/2013

Steve Ishmael is a talented wide receiver out of talent-rich Florida. One of the best wide receivers in the area, he is receiving interest early in the recruiting process. He discusses where Syracuse stands inside.

The 2014 class is going to be the new regime's first full year of recruiting. They are aiming to make a big splash and have targeted several prospects to help them do just that. One who recently started to receive interest is North Miami Beach High (FL) wide receiver Steve Ishmael.

When A.J. Long committed to the Orange he said he was going to help Syracuse bring in a strong recruiting class. That seemed to start with his cousin, 4-star receiver K.J. Williams who received an offer shortly after Long committed. He's targeting another receiver as well.

"Yeah A.J. is a good friend of mine," Ishmael explained. "I'm interested in Syracuse since he committed. I've talked to Coach (George) McDonald a few times. We just talk about the scheme and how I could fit it in if I continue to work hard. "

The possibility of the two friends playing together is very attractive to Ishmael. He says the connection the two have would help him feel more comfortable with the Orange.

"Yeah that would mean a lot to me," Ishmael declared. "Being able to go somewhere with someone I know and am familiar with. I already know how he throws and everything. We have a better connection than most."

But with that interest, Ishmael isn't as familiar with Syracuse as he'd like to be. A visit could happen this summer and he is hoping it will give him more information on the Orange.

"Hopefully this summer I'll be able to visit," the 6-foot-2 receiver said. "I'm going to be looking for a few things when I get up there. I want to see the facilities and get to know the coaching staff."

Syracuse is quite a trip up north, and one some prospects don't want to make. But that distance won't be a factor for Ishmael. He also knows someone on the team that gives him some familiarity.

"No I don't think it will be a factor," Ishmael claimed. "It's only in New York. My mom could drive up there and I already know people in Syracuse so I'd feel more comfortable. I know Ritchy Desir. He was my quarterback my freshman year."

Ishmael is not forcing anything through the recruiting process. He is taking things as they happen, and waiting for the right feeling before making a decision.